Feature Articles 2017

When it comes to celebrations, we prefer visiting hotels and restaurants that offer good quality food which is value for money. During such occasions consumers prefer indulgence, and a chance to socialise with their family and friends with no dishes to clean up. Thus, nothing beats a good buffet meal when it comes to cost vs quantity and quality.

It is that time of the year again when people tend to spend a lot on merry making and get together functions. It is expected that consumers’ budget will stretch as the shopping list gets longer than usual. In most households, the quantity of cooking and baking increases and so do parties and exchange of gifts

With school holidays underway and the Christmas spirit around, consumers will be surely travelling to and fro outer islands to celebrate the festive season with their loved ones. For those who are not able to travel, tend to send parcels over to their families and friends.

When it comes to sticking to the budget whilst buying goods, consumers are able to sacrifice some goods which they do not necessarily need at that point in time. However, the same cannot be said when it comes to buying medication.

The Consumer Council of Fiji would like to respond to the article by Savenaca Narube on “Poor carry the cost” published in the Fiji Times on 21/10/17. From his article it is very clear that Mr. Narube is ill informed and his analysis lacks depth.

How would you feel if despite undertaking a Health Insurance policy and paying all the required premiums, you are unable to claim it when the need arises? To make it worse, you do not have any options to take any action against the insurance provider.

'Taki', 'mix' and 'baby mix' are some common words used by kava drinkers in Fiji. Consumption of kava is seen as a mode to relax after a hard day's work and to socialise with friends and family during social gatherings.

Vacation is the time of the year which people tirelessly plan to ensure that their vacation takes place without any hassle. Planning in advance not only provides peace of mind, but also saves money, making it a lot easier to enjoy.

Buying a vehicle brings a sense of pride to the owner. They know that a vehicle will make their travelling easier and ultimately fetch a good price when it is sold off. Hence, when purchasing a vehicle, consumers pay attention to factors which will ensure their vehicle is marketable in the years to come. No consumer wishes to invest thousands of dollars on a vehicle which will not have a resale value few years down the line.

Nowadays, consumers prefer online shopping when it comes to purchasing goods simply because it is convenient with the click of a button. Whether you are looking for a holiday package, air tickets, pair of shoes, kitchen and home wares, clothes, specialist food items or the fairy tale bridal dress for wedding - you can buy them all online without having to visit shops and malls.

Purchasing a second-hand or used electronic good can be risky. This is due to the simple reason that the item has gone through considerable wear and tear by the previous users and the consumer may not know whether they are paying a high price for the used item.

Leisure time means family time and in order to spend quality time with loved ones, consumers tend to pick on activities which give them enjoyment. It is a fact that cinema is a common and growing form of entertainment. Fortunately, there are numerous cinema outlets in towns and cities which consumers can resort to for quality family time and entertainment.